Healthy mouth and gingiva. Note the healthy light pink color of the gingiva. The interdental papillae are sharp and fill the interdental space. No local edema is present. Image courtesy of Robert J. Lindberg, DMD.

Moderate chronic gingivitis. Note that the papillae are edematous and blunted. They may bleed with brushing. Note areas of edema overlying some of the root areas. Pallor is seen in these areas. Image courtesy of Robert J. Lindberg, DMD.

Severe periodontal disease. Loss of the gingival tissue is seen, making the teeth appear long. Even more effacement of the papillae is present. Heaped up ridges are observed in the areas overlying the roots. Image courtesy of Robert J. Lindberg, DMD.